What effect do colors placed side by side on the color wheel have?

Colors that are placed side by side on the color wheel create a sense of harmony and unity. This phenomenon is known as analogous colors. These colors share similar hues and, when used together, they tend to blend well, producing a visually pleasing and cohesive effect. The arrangement of colors side by side encourages a soft transition, enhancing the overall aesthetic without creating harsh contrasts.

Colors that are opposite one another on the color wheel, known as complementary colors, are what truly create greater contrast. When these colors are placed next to each other, they can make each other appear more vibrant, since the stark difference between them draws attention. Conversely, colors that share similarities in hue (those next to each other on the wheel) promote a more subdued and harmonious conversation, rather than exhibiting stark contrasts.

Thus, the effect of colors placed side by side is one of enhancing visual unity rather than creating a sharp division, which supports the concept of harmony rather than contrast.